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Seward: Taxpayers Win In On-time Budget

James L. Seward

March 29, 2006

Senator James L. Seward said today the new state budget assembled and agreed upon by the legislature in open budget conference committees includes his major goals of cutttng property taxes and providing tax relief for small businesses. In addition, Seward said the budget will be on-time for the second year in a row.

"The budget includes genuine relief for our hardworking, overburdened taxpayers, especially in the area of property taxes.

"It meets my 3R’s goal -- renewing a commitment to tax cuts, revitalizing our economy, and recommitting to helping students achieve more in their classrooms.

"The budget will provide more than $4 billion in tax relief -- including $2 billion in property tax relief. We’re returning money to the people who earned it and who deserve it -- overburdened state taxpayers. The senate’s property tax relief plan, including direct-to-the-taxpayer rebate checks, is part of the agreement along with a child education tax credit. The budget drops the tax on clothing under $110 and provides income tax relief as well.

"To help our students and teachers, the legislative agreement provides a record increase in aid to education, and supports BOCES and public libraries.